ABSTRACT
The unit weight of MSW normally ranges between 6 and 12kN/m3 for an average degree of compaction. MSW that contains a significant proportion of metal, glass or rock can be expected to have a higher unit weight than MSW that is predominantly comprised of organic matter or textiles (Manassero etal., 1996). Likewise, frequent placement of daily cover soil will influence the bulk unit weight of the waste mass (Knochenmus etal., 1998). The unit weight is also sensitive to the moisture content, with reported values between 10 and 100%, depending on factors such as the organic content and age of the waste (Knochenmus etal, 1998). Activities such as recirculation of leachate may be expected to increase moisture content and hence waste unit weight.
